{
  "id": 11774501,
  "title": "Strong demand on falcons and falconry equipment at Souq Waqif",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/strong-demand-on-falcons-and-falconry-equipment-at-souq-waqif",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-03T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf Times",
    "slug": "gulf-times",
    "url": "https://www.gulf-times.com/article/734726/qatar/strong-demand-on-falcons-and-falconry-equipment-at-souq-waqif"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The falcon trade at Souq Waqif is witnessing a significant uptick as the traditional hunting season commences, with prices fluctuating from approximately QR2,500 for smaller avians to over QR100,000 for rare, expertly trained specimens. Market participants attribute the surge in demand to both seasoned practitioners and a new wave of enthusiastic participants. The value of a bird hinges on a multitude of attributes, including species, dimensions, swiftness, hunting prowess, training, lineage, and performance in local and regional contests.\n\nThe marketplace boasts an extensive array of falcons, encompassing both farm-reared and wild birds, along with a burgeoning selection of hunting paraphernalia and veterinary supplies. Conventional accoutrements such as burqas, leashes, lures, and hoods, alongside medications, vitamins, and other care products, are procured from both local and international purveyors. The cyclical commerce is also luring pilgrims from beyond Qatar, encompassing falconry aficionados hailing from Gulf nations, Iran, Germany, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. Trading momentum is anticipated to persist throughout the hunting season, which extends until February.\n\nDuring the early weeks of the trade, vendors have witnessed a diverse influx of avians hailing from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf locales, as well as European markets such as Spain, Germany, and Russia. Additionally, wild falcons are slated to enter the marketplace from Iran and Kazakhstan. Fahad al-Shammari, a falcon shop proprietor at Souq Waqif, posited that the season has kicked off robustly, with demand originating from falconers of diverse ages. His establishment sources birds from Germany and a Doha-based farm, in addition to wild falcons procured from Kazakhstan and Iran. He remarked that Iranian birds, particularly mountain falcons and extensive wild saker and peregrine falcons, are currently eliciting robust interest. Prices for substantial saker falcons range from QR15,000 to QR20,000, whereas mountain falcons are obtainable for roughly QR3,000 to QR7,000. Peregrine falcons projected to enter the market soon are priced from around QR20,000. Al-Shammari underscored the burgeoning penchant for locally manufactured falconery equipment, particularly traditional hoods and other accessories. Locally produced medicines and treatment regimens are also garnering trust among falconers, with traders reporting outcomes comparable to imported alternatives. Similarly, Abdulmalik, another Souq Waqif vendor, indicated that competition among enterprises has prompted firms to broaden their offerings, encompassing falcon training, veterinary services, and post-purchase assistance. Interest is also proliferating among children and youths, underscoring the enduring allure of falconry among a newer demographic. Pricing varies substantially depending on species and origin. Mountain falcons originating from Iran, for instance, range from QR2,500 to QR7,000, while bulkier saker falcons can ascend to approximately QR17,000. Farm-reared saker falcons are typically priced between QR8,000 and QR15,000, while some diminutive varieties commence at approximately QR2,500. The most coveted birds can fetch substantially higher sums. A wild peregrine slated to arrive later in the season is estimated between QR50,000 and QR60,000, contingent on its size and attributes. Meanwhile, falconers opt for distinct birds contingent on the mode of hunting or contest in which they engage. Saker falcons are commonly associated with domestic hunting, while peregrines are preferred for certain extended-range endeavors. Major competitions stipulate particular prerequisites for the breeds eligible to compete. Moreover, the season has engendered a secondary market for locally fabricated equipment. Handcrafted hoods, leashes, lures, and other accessories are gaining traction, with traders extolling their quality, practicality, and aptitude for the local climate.",
  "summary": "The falcon market at Souq Waqif is experiencing a noticeable surge in activity as the traditional falcon-hunting season gets underway, with prices ranging from around QR2,500 for some smaller birds to...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}